Iolite Gemstone Earrings & A New Beading Project

Thank you to my dear friend Anna Lee for these wonderful iolite gemstones that look amazing wrapped in silver. The color blue is very much like periwinkle with flashes of violet. They sparkle and shine thanks to the exceptional faceting.

Ancient mariners used iolite as a compass to guide their way to sea. They noted that it would show different hues of blue-violet when held to the northern and southern skies. Ancients believed that it could unlock creativity in an artist.

Iolite clears the third eye chakra. It is a stone of vision and creative expression. Iolite is especially compatible with amethyst and lapis.

This is my first attempt with beading the ladder stitch. I’ve chosen a lovely purple glass pearl along with a traditional white glass pearl and Aurora Borealis or "AB" Swarovski crystal bicones. The AB coating is iridescent, & gives a pale rainbow effect with blue and pink highlights. The colors work wonderfully together.

These new pieces will be added to Etsy and ArtFire in the very near future!

Here is the newest addition to my Bonanzle store. I really love this piece and have worn it as a pendant. It almost could be a flower or a snowflake…. just a wonderful brooch.

Artefact from the Staffordshire Hoard

Artefact from the Staffordshire Hoard
Originally uploaded by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

I have been following the story from Staffordshire very closely as it is completely fascinating! One of the largest caches of gold, silver and gemstone treasures is in the process of being unearthed

For Terry Herbert, the unemployed metal-detecting enthusiast who made the discovery on July 5 while scouring a friend's farm in the western region of Staffordshire, it was "more fun than winning the lottery."
IBN LIVE

From the Birmingham museum, the Staffordshire treasure, much of it still encrusted with dirt will go to the British Museum in London, where the artifacts will undergo months, possibly years, of study by archaeologists and historians. A court ruling this week declared the finds to be treasure, meaning that they belong to the British crown, which is expected to offer them for sale.
NY TIMES


Take a look here at the Flicker photos(click the photo above)…… some pieces are still covered with dirt! Amazing!!

Labor Day Festivities

 

My aunt’s and uncle came to visit for a small Labor Day party for my Dad. His brother and three sisters spent the afternoon in the yard just exchanging banter and re-living their childhood. I had invited my Aunt’s to bring with them any jewelry they wanted to share with us (mom and I) any “treasures they might have tucked away”. It was such fun to listen to the tales and enjoy the food!! My Aunt Claire presented us with this Wedgwood Demi….I was floored! I had never seen a Wedgwood set before!! I was so excited!!

We enjoyed the food and conversation and when the men departed to to look at and talk boat motors that was our time to break out the goods!!

My Aunt Lucille brought this…. it belonged to my Memere, her mother. I don’t know who made it for her, but it was constructed of safety pins, pearls and beads!!! Nothing like I had seen before!! We were all intrigued!! 

 

My aunt’s gave me this piece among many others (more than I could have hoped for!!) to add to my ever growing collection. This weekend  was a special time, my dad was feeling good and his family was all around. A big thank you to my wonderful husband, Fred, for all the cooking and on-going support!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=18808353

Sold this today!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=18808353

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Vintage Costume Jewelry Additions, Jewels of Passion & Feeling more like myself today!

I spent some time antiquing today. Here are my finds! I’m pleased with new additions to my vintage collection and this wonderful beaded (perfect condition!) purse to boot!

These lovely Vintage West German clip on earrings were a steal! Wonderful filigree and AB blue stones really caught my eye.

A large Florenza Vintage brooch and pendant was calling my name! What a wonderful emerald green foiled center stone! Surrounded by chatons of green and yellow this piece has a wonderful Victorian feel to it as Florenza is known for.

This antique amber bracelet is unmarked but has such wonderful amber pieces I could not leave without it! What a find!!

While I was recouping I had the pleasure of receiving Jewels of Passion authored by Sherri Duncan. Look for my review of this wonderful book in the very near future at Bella.

I’m happy to say I’m feeling much better and thank you so much to all my friends and family for their loving care.

Moonglow Demi

010
Originally uploaded by mygemstonebox

I adore my new find! The color is spectacular, I guess I would call this periwinkle blue. I can't wait to wear them!!

Happy 4th Everyone!

Here is what I managed to do on my vacation!!



My other "Major accomplishment" this week is my first tutorial.... be on the look out for it!!


Copper Coiled Cache Bracelet!

Tutorial is available via pdf file for only $5 USD!!

Simply drop an email requesting it to:

mygemstonebox@yahoo.com

I'll be posting it to my Etsy store too!!